The COVID-19 pandemic has altered everyone’s normal routines. As a property owner, you may be wondering how to address maintenance requests during these challenging times. It’s important that now, more than ever, that you show your renters that you're dependable and responsible.
Here’s an informative outline detailing how you can continue attending to your tenants’ needs without sacrificing anyone’s health or safety.
Communicate with Your Tenants
Although you must socially distance yourself from others and self-isolate, that doesn’t mean you should stop all communication with your
tenants.
Here are some important things you should speak to your tenants about:
- Emphasize that you will continue to conduct essential maintenance services. Offer them comfort by reassuring them that you’re here to address their property needs.
- Tell them that you are taking all safety precautions. Everyone is experiencing some level of anxiety, so expressing that you are doing everything you can to ensure their safety will help them feel calmer.
- Share helpful, factual and accurate information with them. They will value that you’re taking the time to provide them with credible resources. A good source is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Reassure them that you will promptly address any emergencies. Tell them that you’re just a phone call or an email away. And, be sure that you are quickly responding to these messages and calls.
Implement Preventative Precautions
Upon entering a tenant’s property, you must implement safety measures.
Here are some of the ways that you can do so:
- Regularly wash your hands. You should do so with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. You may even consider carrying soap in your tool box. Note that hand sanitizer or hygienic wipes are not a replacement for handwashing.
- Wear fresh gloves every time you enter a new unit. Be responsible and disregard used gloves. You may want to put on the new gloves in front of the tenants so that they are reassured.
- Wear masks, PPE
or shoe covers, if applicable.
- If you’re sick, don’t perform the maintenance job. You have a responsibility to stay home and help stop the spread of the virus.
- Disinfect and clean all your working areas.
Have Supplies on Hand
Due to the current situation, everyone is using masks, sanitizers and gloves. This means that you should place an order for these essential supplies in advance, even if you already have some.
It’s always good to have an extra box of supplies on hand. You don’t want to conduct necessary maintenance tasks without the essentials. Also, if, for whatever reason, there’s no water and soap nearby, you should have ample hand sanitizer with you. Just ensure the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol!
That said, don’t exaggerate and stock up on countless supplies. Many people are in need, so you want to make sure you are leaving these goods for others, too.
Frequently Asked Questions - Responding to Service Requests during COVID-19
Here are questions you may have concerning maintenance during the pandemic.
1. Instead of going to the rental property, can a phone call be sufficient?
If a maintenance procedure is relatively quick and easy, you can guide the tenant through it via phone call. This will help protect you and your tenant from potentially getting infected.
2. What is considered an essential request, and what is non-essential? How will less urgent repairs be dealt with?
This is for you to decide. That said, we believe that essential maintenance is anything that can be classified as an emergency. If it is dangerous for the tenant or the property, it should be essential. If it will not cause a catastrophic incident, then it can be postponed.
3. How can the work be done with children in the vicinity?
Knowing that children are around means that you must take extra precautions. While performing maintenance work, some children may be curious and approach you. You want to be sure that you keep your tools out of reach to prevent accidents.
4. What happens if the tenant is working from home?
Due to the pandemic, most people are working from home. That means you have to be more mindful when working in their property. You must make minimal noise and get your work done quickly.
Bottom Line
As a property owner, it’s evident that that your job is naturally stressful. However, during a crisis like COVID-19, you may feel your stress increasing. With new
laws
to follow and new safety measures, conducting maintenance is challenging.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you may want to consider hiring a property management company. Property managers have resources and skills to keep tenants safe during this time.
At Advantage Realty
Services, Inc., we will minimize your stress, maximize your time and ensure you stay safe and health. We will take care of several of your property responsibilities.
Contact us today for more information.
